Determination of Need for Syringe Services Programs

Appropriations language from Congress in fiscal years 2016-2018 permits use of funds from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under certain circumstances, to support SSPs with the exception that funds may not be used to purchase needles or syringes. State, local, tribal, or territorial health departments must first consult with CDC and provide evidence that their jurisdiction is experiencing or at risk for significant increases in hepatitis infections or an HIV outbreak due to injection drug use. CDC has developed guidancepdf icon and consults with state, local, or tribal and territorial health departments on determining if they have adequately demonstrated need according to federal law. Decisions about use of SSPs to prevent disease transmission and support the health and engagement of people who inject drugs are made at the state and local level.

After receiving a request for determination of need, CDC will have 30 business days to notify the requestor whether the evidence is sufficient to demonstrate a need for SSPs. When CDC finds there is sufficient evidence, state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments and other eligible HHS grant recipients may then apply to their respective federal agencies to direct funds to support approved SSP activities. Each federal agency (e.g., CDC, HRSA, SAMHSA) developed its own guidance for its funding recipients regarding which specific programs may apply and its application process:

• CDC Program Guidance for Implementing Certain Components of Syringe Services Programs, 2016pdf icon
• HRSA Program Guidance for Implementing Certain Components of Syringe Services Programspdf iconexternal icon
• SAMHSA Program Guidance for Implementing Certain Components of Syringe Services Programspdf iconexternal icon

Under the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2016, federal law permits use of funds from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to support syringe service programs with the exception that funds may not be used to purchase needles or syringes. In order to use DHHS funds for this purpose, eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments must first consult with CDC and provide evidence that their jurisdiction is experiencing or at risk for significant increases in hepatitis infections or an HIV outbreak due to injection drug use. The table below lists jurisdictions that have consulted CDC and have been determined to have adequately demonstrated need according to federal law, along with contact information for the point of contact regarding the determination of need for that jurisdiction.

Jurisdictions Determined to be Experiencing or At-risk of Significant Increases in Hepatitis Infection or an HIV Outbreak Due to Injection Drug Use Following CDC Consultation

There are currently 44 states and DC, 1 tribal nation, 1 territory and with a determination of need in place.

• 44 States and DC
  1 Tribal Nation
  1 Territory

Information current as of March 2, 2022.